2020.04.17
DAB Legislative Councillors Wilson OR, LEUNG Che-Cheung and Holden CHOW met with the representatives from the music education industry and listened to their plight due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It was made worse because the industry has not benefited from either phase of the Fund.
Representatives from music education centres said that they suffered a large drop in students since the social movements last September. As the COVID-19 outbreak began in February, the number of students have dropped to a further low ebb when the government suspended all classes and implemented social distancing. However, as these centres are exempt from acquiring educational licenses, they are not eligible to apply for the phase two of the Anti-epidemic Fund. Most music teachers are self-employed and do not have TVC for MPF, making it impossible to acquire financial assistance during this time.
Earlier, Wilson OR also met with representatives from the sports education industry including the Hong Kong Recreation and Sports Professionals General Union, Hong Kong Artistes Guild, Newly Emerged Sports Association and the Hong Kong China Dodgeball Federation. They face similar challenges alongside the music education industry. The DAB urges the government to make up the shortfall caused by the virus outbreak and subsidize the whole education industry.
Media Inquiries: Legislative Councilor Wilson Or ( 9266 1035)